Forum Highlights Rising Demand for Global Mobility among Nigeria’s Elite

Amid mounting economic pressures at home, Nigeria’s high net worth individuals are increasingly turning to global mobility and cross-border investment strategies to safeguard their wealth, signalling a shift in how the country’s affluent class approaches asset protection and long-term financial planning.

This was revealed in Lagos during the Global Wealth & Legacy Forum, hosted by Savory & Partners, where investors and financial advisors highlighted a steady rise in the use of residency and citizenship programmes as tools for diversification, flexibility, and long-term security.

The event also marked a milestone for the firm, as it celebrated five years of physical presence in Nigeria.
Founder and CEO of Savory & Partners, Jeremy Savory, noted that the company has, within this period, built a strong client base and processed hundreds of passports for ultra-high net worth Nigerians.

“We are here to celebrate five successful years in Nigeria and to deepen our engagement with clients,” Savory said, adding that the forum also serve as an opportunity to introduce the firm’s family office division, designed to support long term wealth preservation.

In a climate marked by inflation, currency volatility, and policy uncertainty, participants noted that wealthy Nigerians are no longer relying solely on domestic investment options. Instead, they are adopting more structured, cross-border approaches that allow them to hedge risks, access more stable financial systems, and position their assets for sustained growth.

Savory said interest in investment migration among Nigerians has accelerated significantly, reflecting a broader shift in mindset among the affluent. “The narrative has changed. A second passport is no longer about ease of travel alone, it is about creating a structure that protects wealth, diversifies risk, and provides access to global opportunities.” Savory further said.

Savory explained that while traditional destinations such as Portugal continued to attract strong interest, countries like Greece and Malta were also gaining increased attention, highlighting the dynamic nature of the sector.
Beyond mobility, the forum highlighted a broader shift toward integrated wealth management. Director, Wealth Management at Savory & Partners, Luke Coupe, emphasised that global mobility strategies remained most effective when embedded within a comprehensive financial plan.

“Our approach integrates global mobility with long term wealth management. It allows clients to diversify their portfolios, access liquidity, and protect their capital without disrupting existing investments,” Coupe said.
He stressed the importance of long-term planning in navigating global uncertainties, noting that wealth strategies must be structured to preserve, grow, and transfer assets effectively across generations.

Coupe identified inflation and currency instability as key concerns for investors across Africa, adding that positioning assets in more stable jurisdictions has become increasingly important. “Beyond earning income, individuals must focus on how to grow and protect that wealth sustainably,” he said.

Discussions at the forum also underscored the importance of financial education, particularly in the context of family and legacy planning. Participants noted that managing wealth across generations would require a deeper understanding of global financial systems and more structured investment approaches.

One of the guests, Noble Igwe, who attended the forum, described it as an opportunity to gain practical knowledge on investment and financial planning. “I’m here to learn how to invest and how to plan properly for my family. It’s about improving myself and creating better opportunities,” Igwe said.